Jewelry including stones and rings

ABSTRACT

Jewelry can include a stone and a setting. The setting can include rings, wherein at least one of the rings contacts the stone. The rings may be in the form of chains, netting, or both. The rings can be attached to the stone using anchor(s), so that the setting cannot be removed from stone unless the stone, a ring, an anchor or combination thereof is broken or, in the case of hooks, removed only with great difficulty or irreversibly damaging the hooks (e.g., when separating ring and hook combinations). The configurations for the settings and stones and methods described herein can substantially increase the options for designing jewelry, and particularly the use and arrangement of stones in jewelry.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 (e) to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 60/527,585 entitled “Jewelry IncludingStones and Rings and Methods of Making the Same” by Camargo et al. filedDec. 5, 2003, and is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______entitled “Method of Making Jewelry Including Stones and Rings” byCamargo et al. filed on the same date as this application. Allapplications recited in this paragraph are assigned to the currentassignee hereof and incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates in general to jewelry and methods of making thesame, and more particularly, to jewelry including stones and chainsattached to stones and methods of making the jewelry.

RELATED ART

Jewelry can include stones that are presented in many different ways,such as with chains or netting. When jewelry includes stones with chainsor netting, the stones are typically mounted in a setting, which in turnis connected to the chains or netting. The chains or netting are part ofthe setting for the stone. The chains or netting typically lie lateralto the stone as to not contact the stone or “hide” the stone fromsomeone (an observer) looking at the jewelry when worn by anotherperson.

One example of the previously mentioned setting includes a crimped pieceof metal that has a surface that generally conforms to a surface of thestone. The crimped piece of metal is formed by placing a hard piece ofmetal over the stone and pounding the metal down around the stone. Thestone is attached to the crimped piece of metal using an adhesivecompound (e.g., jewelry glue). The adhesive compound holds the stone inplace, and the chains or netting are attached to the crimped piece ofmetal, not the stone.

Another example of the setting includes a piece of metal with prongs.The metal can be crimped as described previous. After the stone ismounted on the piece of metal, the prongs are bent to hold the stone inplace. Chains and netting can then be attached to the piece of metal,not the stone.

In both instances, the chains or netting are not part of the setting forthe stone. Further, the chains or netting may not contact any part ofthe stone. Such constraints limit the freedom of jewelry designers todesign jewelry using stones with chains or netting.

Another presentation of a stone in jewelry includes wrapping a stonewith a piece of solid core wire. The setting for the stone is beingcreated as the wire is wrapped around the stone. Reworking the settingusing this method can be very difficult and may sometimes be impossible.The solid core wire is essentially fixed in position and does not allowany significant movement of the wire without risking permanent changesin the shape formed by the wire. In other words, the wire is to remainin a fixed position. Movement of the wire may significantly alter thepresentation and diminish the value of the jewelry.

SUMMARY

Jewelry can include a stone and a setting. The setting can includerings, wherein at least one of the rings contacts the stone. The ringsmay be in the form of chains, netting, or both. The rings can beattached to the stone using anchor(s), so that the setting cannot beremoved from stone unless the stone, a ring, an anchor or combinationthereof is broken or, in the case of hooks, removed only with greatdifficulty or irreversibly damaging the hooks (e.g., when separatingring and hook combinations).

The configurations for the settings and stones described herein cansubstantially increase the options for designing jewelry, andparticularly the use and arrangement of stones in jewelry. Some of thosechain or netting configurations include shelling, netting, and banding.Other configurations are possible, and therefore, the configurationsdescribed herein are to be construed as exemplary and not limiting tothe present invention.

With all of the possible options, jewelry designers are not constrainedby the limitations of the fixed settings described in the related artsection. After reading this specification, skilled artisans willappreciate that the design of jewelry, particularly with stones, mayonly be limited by the designer's imagination.

The foregoing general description and the following detailed descriptionare exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of theinvention, as defined in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example and notlimitation in the accompanying figures.

FIG. 1 includes an illustration of a netting that can be used as part ofa setting for a stone.

FIG. 2 includes an illustration of fabricating a portion of the nettingof FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3-6 include illustrations for making jewelry including a stone andthe netting of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 includes an illustration of a cross-sectional view of the jewelryat sectioning line 7-7 in FIG. 6.

FIGS. 8-13 include illustrations of alternative embodiments using thenetting.

FIGS. 14-15 include illustrations for making a banded briolette.

FIGS. 16-23 include illustrations for jewelry in accordance with ashelling technique.

FIG. 24 includes an illustration of an alternative embodiment using ahalo.

FIGS. 25 includes illustrations of a front-view and the side view of anearring comprising stones having shell-type settings connected bynetting.

Skilled artisans appreciate that elements in the figures are illustratedfor simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale.For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures maybe exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improveunderstanding of embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Jewelry can comprise a stone and a setting. The setting can includerings, wherein at least one of the rings contacts the stone. The ringsmay be in the form of chains, netting, or both. The rings can beattached to the stone using anchor(s), so that the setting cannot beremoved from stone unless the stone, a ring, an anchor or combinationthereof is broken or, in the case of hooks, removed only with greatdifficulty or irreversibly damaging the hooks (e.g., when separatingring and hook combinations). The configurations for the settings andstones and methods described herein can substantially increase theoptions for designing jewelry, and particularly the use and arrangementof stones in jewelry.

In some embodiments, jewelry can be made where part of the setting for astone can include a chain or netting. Many different types of chain ornetting configurations are possible. Some of those chain or nettingconfigurations includes shelling, netting, and banding. Otherconfigurations are possible, and therefore, the configurations describedherein are to be construed as exemplary and not limiting to the presentinvention.

Many options are available with methods of making the jewelry. In oneembodiment the method may include attaching an end of a chain or nettingto an anchor, placing the chain or netting along a surface of a stone,and attaching another end of the chain or netting to the same ordifferent anchor. In one specific embodiment, chains may be used andhave ends attached near a common point. In another specific embodiment,netting may be wrapped substantially around the perimeter of a stone,and opposite ends of the netting may be attached together.

With all of the possible options, jewelry designers are not constrainedby the limitations of the fixed settings described in the related artsection. After reading this specification, skilled artisans willappreciate that the design of jewelry, particularly with stones, mayonly be limited by the designer's imagination.

A few terms are defined or clarified to aid in understanding thedescriptions that follow. The term “attached” and its variants, withrespect to chains and netting, means that a chain or netting cannot beremoved from a stone unless at least one of the stone, ring(s), loop(s),hook(s), chain(s), or netting(s) is broken or only with great difficultyor irreversibly damaging the hooks (e.g., when separating ring and hookcombinations).

The term “chain” is intended to mean a set of links or rings that can beoriented to extend in substantially one direction. Effectively, a chainis a single row of links or rings.

When referring to rings, the term “directly attached” and its variantsare intended to mean ring(s), loop(s), hook(s), chain(s), or netting(s)are attached to one another using a single ring, and the term“indirectly attached” and its variants are intended to mean ring(s),loop(s), hook(s), chain(s), or netting(s) are attached to one anotherusing a more than a single ring. For example, a first chain has a linklying within a first ring, a second chain has a link lying within asecond ring, and the first and second rings, but not the first andsecond chains, lie within a third ring. The first chain is directlyattached to the first ring but is indirectly attached to the secondchain and the second and third rings. The second chain is directlyattached to the second ring but is indirectly attached to the firstchain and the first and third rings.

The term “link” is intended to mean substantially identical repeatingrings along a length of a chain.

The term “netting” is intended to mean a set of rings (which may or maynot include links) or a mesh that extends in at least two directions. Apair of chains can be connected together by rings to form netting.Netting may or may not include stones incorporated within the set ofrings. Netting and mesh can be used interchangeably.

The term “observer side” is intended to mean the side of jewelry that isseen typically by the public when the jewelry is worn. Jewelry may havemore than one observer side.

The term “ring” is intended to mean a unit within a chain or netting.Rings can be opened or closed and may have a variety of shapes includingcircles, ovals, oblong or elongated pieces, polygons, and the like. Ajump ring is a type of ring that is an element used to connect chain(s)netting(s), loop(s), other ring(s), etc. to one another. For example,link(s) of chain, netting(s), loop(s), other rings, or the like may beplaced within an open jump ring before it is closed. Chains or nettingmay include no jump rings, consist only of jump rings, or some jumprings (i.e., not solely jump rings).

The term “setting” is intended to mean a structure that comprises one ormore parts that allow a stone to be attached to another part of a pieceof jewelry.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,”“including,” “has,” “having” and any variations thereof, are intended tocover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method, process,article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is notnecessarily limited to only those elements but may include otherelements not expressly listed or inherent to such method, process,article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary,“or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example,a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true(or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or notpresent) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (orpresent).

Also, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements andcomponents of the invention. This is done merely for convenience and togive a general sense of the invention. This description should be readto include one or at least one and the singular also includes the pluralunless it is clear that it is meant otherwise.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. All publications, patentapplications, patents, and other references mentioned herein areincorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, thepresent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition,the methods, jewelry, and examples are illustrative only and notintended to be limiting.

To the extent not described herein, many details regarding specificportions of the jewelry and processes for making it are conventional andmay be found in textbooks and other sources within the jewelry arts.

Reference is now made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be usedthroughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts (elements).

Starting materials are addressed before proceeding to specific designsfor the jewelry and methods of making them. Stones used for the jewelrycan be nearly any material. Non-limiting examples can includebirthstones and gemstones (diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, etc.),man-made or processed materials (zirconia, glass (clear or colored),alumina, plastics, etc.), pearls, ivory, rocks (opals, turquoise,Petoskey stones, etc.), and the like. The stones may be transparent,translucent, opaque, or any combination thereof. Although not required,the stones are typically harder than the materials attached to them,including pins, wires, caps, halos, loops, rings, chains, or netting.

The pin(s), wire(s), cap(s), halo(s), loop(s), ring(s), chain(s),netting(s) or any combination thereof may include one or more materials.Some non-limiting examples of the materials can include gold (yellow orwhite), silver, platinum, copper, plastic, zinc, nickel, tin, iron,alloys (e.g., brass, bronze, stainless steel, etc.), and the like.Although not limiting, malleable metals (including alloys) can be usedand may include precious metals, such as gold (yellow or white), silver,or platinum. Chains may be available in a number of conventional styles,such as cable chain, curb chain, and the like.

Adhesive compounds, such as jewelry glue, are conventional. Allsoldering may be performed using any one of a number of conventionaltechniques and can include electronic or laser soldering.

As previously mentioned, there is nearly a limitless number ofcombinations of shapes, sizes, and materials for the stones, pins,wires, loops, caps, halos, rings, chains, and nettings. The combinationscan allow for jewelry designs, and particularly settings for stones,that have previously not been possible. Below are detailed descriptionsfor netting, banding, and shelling techniques and designs. Clearly otherdesigns are possible, and therefore, the descriptions below are not tobe construed narrowly.

Netting can include a set of rings that are fabricated to conform to ormimic the shape of the stone. Some of the rings may be in the form ofchains (series of rings). In one embodiment, the netting can be createdto fit to the stone before the netting is attached to the stone. Thenetting will vary depending on the shape of the stone and the desiredappearance of the netting. All jump rings may be used or a combinationof jump rings and chains may be used.

FIG. 1 includes an illustration of one non-limiting example of netting10. A specific fabrication method for the netting is given beforeaddressing other embodiments. The netting in FIG. 1 includes twotriangular ends 12 and 14 and a main section 16. The triangular ends 12and 14 and the main section 16 may include chains 162 and jump rings122.

One or both of the triangular ends 12 and 14 may be fabricated beforethe main section 16. During fabrication, closed jump rings may be placedinto an open jump ring. After placement, the open jump ring is closed.As used hereinafter, closing a open jump ring may be performed by: (1)placing the ends of the open jump ring close to each other so that ringswithin that jump ring cannot be removed without moving the ends of suchjump ring apart from each other or (2) soldering the ends of the openjump ring together. After reading this specification, skilled artisanscan determine which type of closing procedure to use based on theirspecific applications. The fabrication procedure for the triangular ends12 and 14 is repeated until the triangular shape completed.

The main section 16 has a shape that similar to a hammock. The lengthsof the inner rows 164 are longer than the lengths of the outer rows 166.Chains 162 have ends connected at jump rings 122 along the inner rows164. Other than the chains 162, the rest of the main section 16comprises jump rings.

The fabrication can start with the chains 162 and inner rows 164, andthen proceed to the outer rows 166. Two jump rings 22 (which aresubstantially similar to jump rings 122) may be attached to the two jumprings 122 of the triangular end 12 as shown in FIG. 2. The jump ring 22,a closed jump ring 24, and a link 26 of chain 162 are inserted into openjump ring 28. The open jump ring 28 is then closed. The process iscontinued for the other inner row 164. Note that the entire length oneof the inner rows 164 may be fabricated before the other, both innerrows 164 may be fabricated so that the lengths of both rows 164 are keptsubstantially the same, or any combination thereof. Two jump rings 122may be used to connect the inner rows 164 of main section 16 to theother triangular end 14.

Referring to FIG. 1, the two outer rows 166 of jump rings 122 can beformed in a similar manner to the two inner rows 164. Closed jump ringscan be placed into open jump rings and the rings are closed. Note thatthe inner rows 166 will lie closer to the perimeter of the stone, andthe outer rows 164 will lie closer to the center of the stone.Therefore, each of the lengths of the outer rows 166 is shorter thaneach of the lengths of the inner rows 164. In one embodiment, thefabrication of the inner rows 164 is completed before the fabrication ofthe outer rows 166. The entire inner rows 164 may be fabricated beforethe outer rows 166 or the inner rows 164 may be fabricated so that theydo not fall behind the fabrication of the corresponding portions of theouter rows 166. Although not required, two jump rings 122 lie along theouter rows 166 and outer perimeter of the triangular ends 12 and 14 toimprove the integrity of the netting 10. In another embodiment, the twojump rings 122 along the outer rows 166 may be replaced by a doublechain. In still another embodiment, only a single set of jump rings orsingle chains (e.g., not double chains) may lie along the outer rows166. Any one or more of the inner rows 164 may have single, double, etc.sets of rings or chains along its (their) length.

At corners 18, a jump ring 122 along the outer row 164 is connected totwo jump rings 122 along the inner row 166. Depending on the shape ofthe stone, more than two jump rings 122 along the outer row 166 may beconnected to a jump ring 122 along the inner row 164. Note that all thejump rings 122 that are only connected to other jump rings 122 along theouter row 166 may be the same size. FIG. 1 helps to illustrate theconnections between the inner and outer rows 164 and 166, and therefore,is not drawn to scale.

Many different variations may be possible for forming the netting. Theexact order of connecting items is typically not critical. Differentsize jump rings may be used in the different sections or different rows.Also within each of the sections or rows, different sized jump rings canbe used. Further, chains may lie long the length of any one or more ofthe inner and outer rows 164 and 166. The triangular ends 12 and 14 arenot required and one or both may be replaced by a wire or other shapedpiece (e.g., partially spherical end for the netting 10 instead of thetriangular ends 12 and 14) that is inserted through the rings at the endof the main section 16 and a loop (not shown). Different combinations ofmaterials for the jump rings and chains also allow more options to adesigner. To list all of the variations would be nearly impossible.After reading this specification, skilled artisans will be able todesign and fabricate netting to meet their needs or desires.

In FIG. 3, the stone 32 can be prepared for the netting 10. In oneembodiment, a hole 34 may be drilled completely through the stone 32. Inorder to reduce the appearance of the hole 34, it may be drilled nearone of the ends of the stone 32 as illustrated in FIG. 3.

A wire 42 may be passed through the hole 34 with loops 44 formed fromportions of the wire 42 as illustrated in FIG. 4. The ends of the wire42 may be wrapped around portions of the wire 42 between the loops 44and the stone 32. Remaining portions of the wire 42 may be cut.Alternatively, the loops 44 may be soldered into position with the endsof the wire 42 cut before or after the soldered is performed. In oneembodiment, one of the loops 44 may be formed before the wire 42 isinserted through the hole, and the other loop 44 may then be formed.Regardless of the order of formation of the loops 44, the loops 44 andwire 42 form anchors for the netting 10. The loops 44 are substantiallystable and able to withstand stress that may occur during thefabrication process (so that the netting fits snugly against the stone32, if desired) and during normal use of the jewelry.

In FIG. 5, one of the loops 44 and a ring at triangular end 12 ofnetting 10 are inserted into an open jump ring, and the open jump ringis closed to form closed ring 52. The netting 10 is then placed, or morespecifically in this embodiment, wrapped around the stone 32 asillustrated by the arrow in FIG. 5. The netting 10 should contact and besnug around the stone 32. In FIG. 6, an open jump ring at triangular end14 of netting 10 is inserted into the other loop 44, and the open jumpring is closed to form ring 62 to form a substantially completed piece.FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the netting 10 includingthe location of jump rings 122 along the inner and outer rows 164 and166 and one of the chains 162. Note that the stone 32 lies within acradle 72 of the netting 10.

The wire 42, loops 44, and the netting 10 form a setting for the stone32. Stone 32 cannot be removed from the setting without breaking thestone 32, loops 44 or wire 42, or netting 10. The chains 162 and jumprings 122 within the netting 10 may have limited fluid motion and do nothave a hard, unyielding appearance of a stone if it were wrapped usingsolid core wire. The loops 44 and rings within the netting 10 allow fora wide variety of points from which to attach the piece to otherportions of jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, other netting, andthe like.

In alternative embodiments, the wire-loops combination in FIGS. 5 and 6is not used to secure the netting 10 to the stone 32. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 8, a hole 82 may be drilled partially through thestone 32. A wire 84 may be inserted in the hole 82 and secured in placeusing an adhesive compound, such as jewelry glue. The end of the wire 84outside the stone 32 may be twisted to form a loop 86. Jump rings 88 canbe used to secure the netting 10 to the loop 86. The wire 84, includingloop 86, is an example of a single anchor used in the setting.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, a cap 92 and 102, suchas pieces of crimped metal, can replace the wire-loop combinations. Thecaps 92 and 102 may or may not have pins (not shown) extending from theapex 94 and 104, respectively, down toward the stone 32. If the pin ispresent, a hole (not shown) may be drilled into the stone 32 to hold thepin. An adhesive compound may or may not be used to secure the cap 92 or102 to the stone 32. In FIG. 9, attaching loops 96 for the netting 10are space away from the apex 94, and in FIG. 10, attaching loop 106 liesat or near apex 104. Loop 98 or 106 may be used to attach the piece toother portions of the jewelry.

In still another embodiment, multiple wire-loop combinations can beused. FIG. 11 includes an illustration of a perspective view of aportion of a stone 112. Holes 114 can be drilled into the stone 112.Pins 116 are inserted into the holes 114. Each of the pins 116 can besubstantially identical to the wire 84-loop 86 combination asillustrated in FIG. 8. The pins 116 may be held in place by an adhesivecompound (not shown). Alternatively, a tap-and-dye set can be used forforming threads (not shown) along the shafts the pins 116 and within theholes 114. The pins 116 can be secured to the stone by screwing theminto the holes 114. After the pins 116 are in place, netting (not shown)can be place over them. A pin 116 and ring(s) within the netting areplaced into an open jump ring, which is subsequently closed to attachthe pin 116 to the netting. The procedure may be repeated for other pins116 and rings of the netting. In this embodiment, the pins 116 act asmultiple anchors for the netting. When multiple pins 116 are used, allor just some of the pins 116 may be attached to netting.

In yet another embodiment, the pins 116 may be replaced by hooks, suchas j-hooks (cane-shaped pieces) 121 as shown in FIG. 12. The j-hooks canact as multiple anchors and be attached to the stone 112 using any ofthe methods used for the pins 116. After the j-hooks 121 are in place,the netting (not shown) can be placed over the j-hooks 121. The nettingcan be worked into place so that at least some of the j-hooks 121 andrings are engaged in a manner similar to Velcro™. Similar to the pins116, not all of the j-hooks 121 need to be used (attached with one ormore rings). The attachment of the netting may be completed at thispoint, or the j-hooks 121 can be bent laterally (e.g., twisted) or bentfurther (to close or nearly close the j-hook 121 to form a loop) tosecure better the netting. In other embodiments, other shapes of hooksare possible. For example, the hooks may be in the shape of a “Y”(similar to an anchor) or a grappling hook.

Note that soldering between the hooks and netting is not required. Theuse of hooks may require precise placement of the netting because havingto rework the netting after attachment may be difficult, if notimpossible. However, use of commercially available precision placementequipment may allow the placement of the netting to substantially reducethe likelihood of needing to rework netting placement. The use of thehooks may be well suited for jewelry fabrication by machines because themachines can have the repeatable precise capability, and soldering (afabricating step) may be eliminated.

In another embodiment, no pins, hooks, holes in the stone, or adhesivecompounds may be used. More particularly, the rings may be attached tothe stone without the use of an adhesive compound or a pin or wireextending at least partially into the stone. FIG. 13 includes anillustration where netting 130 surrounds substantially all of theperimeter of the stone 132. The netting 130 can be similar to the mainsection 16 of netting 10 but does not have the triangular ends 12 and14. The main section is continued until the netting 130 can cover theperimeter of the stone 132.

Regarding fabrication of the netting 130, the inner row(s) of thenetting 130 are formed at the same time or before corresponding portionsof outer rows of the nettings. After the netting has been fabricated toconform to the shape of the stone, the netting 130 is wrapped so thatthe netting substantially surrounds the perimeter of the stone 132.Opposite end of the netting 130 are attached together to form a settingfor the stone 132. The ends may be attached together using ring(s), awire, a combination of rings and wire, or the like. From across-sectional view, the stone 132 lies within a cradle (not shown) ofthe netting 130. In FIG. 13, the opposite ends of the netting areconnected together using jump rings.

In still a further embodiment, the netting may include plastic. Theplastic netting may be pre-fabricated or may be shaped to the piecesimilar to the chains and jump rings. In still another embodiment, theplastic netting may be attached and heated to increase the tension inthe netting (similar to shrink wrap). The plastic netting may be set ofrings or a single piece of plastic mesh.

Note that in many of the embodiments, jump rings used to attach the endsof the netting to itself or to loops or pins may be replaced by wire.Also, one or more wires, chains, set of jump rings, or the like may beattached to the netting and extend across some of the exposed face (notcovered by the perimeter netting) of the stone. In one embodiment, theadditional wires, chains, or sets of jump rings may be used as part ofthe setting, as ornamentation (e.g., lie along the observer side of thestone), or a combination thereof.

The orientation of the netting can be changed so that the nettingappears to be a sash around the stone. The sash appearance can beachieved by orienting the length of the netting to extend between thefront (i.e., observer side) to the back of the stone rather than alongthe perimeter of the observer side.

In many embodiments, the setting for the stone can comprise netting thatsurrounds at least half of the perimeter of the stone. This helps tokeep the stone from popping out of the netting. In the embodiment ofFIG. 6, the netting 10 surrounds ⅔ to ⅚ of the perimeter of the stone32. In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the netting 130 surroundssubstantially all of the perimeter of the stone 132. After reading thisspecification, skilled artisans appreciate that the netting may surroundless than half of the perimeter of the stone.

Banding is similar to netting, but is typically easier to performcompared to netting. With banding, chain(s) can be used to highlight thestone. Unlike the netting embodiments above, where the relativepositions of the netting and stone are set more firmly (but still allowsome fluid motion), the banding can allow more movement of the chain(s)relative to the stone. In one embodiment, the stone 32 and hole 34 inFIG. 3 may be used as a starting point. A chain 142, as illustrated inFIG. 14, can be fabricated (as a row of jump rings or links) or cut (ifthe chain is already made) so that its length extends from near the hole34 on one side of the stone 32, around the perimeter of the stone 32 tothe hole 34 on the other side of the stone. A ring at or near one end ofthe chain is placed onto a wire 144, and the wire 144 can be twisted toform a loop 146. The other portion of the wire 144 is fed through thehole 34. A ring at or near the other end of the chain 142 is placed ontothe wire 144. This other end of the wire 144 can be twisted to formanother loop 146. Extra lengths of the wire 144 may be cut. At thispoint, a banded stone has been formed.

Optionally, further processing can be performed on the banded stone asillustrated in FIG. 15. A closed ring 152 and one of the loops 146 maybe placed into an opened jump ring that is then closed to form closedring 154. The same procedure is repeated for the other loop 146 andother closed ring 154.

Again, many options exist for different shapes, sizes, and materials andcombinations thereof. Many of the alternatives used for securing thenetting as described in FIGS. 8-12 may also be used for banding.

Shelling can include a setting where chains, at one end, are attachedtogether or near a common point, and at least some, if not all, of thechains diverge from that common point. Between the two ends of any oneof the chains, that chain may or may not be connected to other chains orother parts of the jewelry.

In one embodiment of shelling, the stone 32 as illustrated in FIG. 4 mayprovide a starting point in the process. First end(s) of one or morechains 161 may be placed on an open ring 163 as shown in FIG. 16. Aclosed ring 165 may be placed on the open ring 163, and the open ring163 closed to form ring 173 as illustrated in FIG. 17. This pattern ofchains 161 and rings 165 and 173 may be repeated any number of times.

One of the closed rings 165 and one of the loops 44 can be placed inanother open ring 182 as illustrated in FIG. 18. That other open ring182 can be soldered closed to form closed ring 192 in FIG. 19. More orfewer rings and ring-chain sets may be used compared to what is shown inFIG. 19.

In another embodiment, the closed ring 165 may be replaced by link(s) ofchain(s). In still another embodiment (not shown), closed ring 165 maybe omitted and one of the loops 44 substituted in its place. In thismanner, the shelling can be attached to the stone 32 as it isfabricated.

The procedure for the other loop 44 (not shown in FIGS. 16-19) along theopposite side of the stone 32 is substantially identical. Note thatintermediate rings (e.g., closed rings 173) between ring-chain sets maybe omitted or additional intermediate rings may be used between eachpair of ring-chain sets. To list all of the alternatives would be nearlyimpossible.

Referring to FIG. 20, an open jump ring 202 may be used to connect theother ends (e.g., second ends) of chains 161 lying along one side of thestone 32. The open jump ring can be closed to form closed ring 212 inFIG. 21. The same procedure may be repeated for the other side of thestone 32, so that another closed ring 212 (not shown in FIG. 21)connects the other ends of chains lying along the other side of thestone 32.

In one embodiment, the positions of the two rings 212 on each side ofthe stone 32 cannot touch each other. Those two rings 212 are pulledsnug and placed into a jump ring 222 in FIG. 22. The jump ring 222 isthen closed to form a closed ring 232 as illustrated in FIG. 23. Notethat the wire 42, including loops 44, acts as an anchor to allowpressure to be applied so that the chains 161 can be snuggly fitted tothe stone 32 during the attaching process using jump ring 222. Inanother embodiment, the two rings 212 may touch each other.

At the point in the process, in one embodiment, a substantially finishedpiece of jewelry has been formed. In the finished piece, chains 161 areinterconnected by rings to form the shelling for the stone 32. Thechains 161 have limited movement, but are more fluid (in movement)compared to wrapping the stone with a single piece of wire. The shellingis part of the setting, and the stone 32 cannot be removed from theshelling unless any one or more of the stone, rings, loops, or chainsare broken.

In another embodiment (not shown), pairs of chains do not need to beconnected to the same ring for shelling. The chain pattern can alternatewith the rings. More specifically, a ring closest to one of the loops 44may have all chains within that ring lying along one side of the stone32. The next ring having chain(s) may have its chain(s) lying along theopposite side of the stone 32. In this manner, the chains can bealternating front-back-front-back for a series of rings attached to thatsame loop 44.

A number of options available for the netting 10 may be used forshelling. Similar to netting 10, shelling can be asymmetric with respectto the stone 32. The orientation of the shelling may be changed. Theshelling may be rotated laterally (loops 44 lying along front and backof stone 32 instead of the sides) or vertically (common point lying atthe side or top of the stone 32 instead of the bottom as shown in FIG.22. Other positioning is possible.

In another shelling embodiment, a “halo” may replace the wire 42 andloops 44. The halo has an annular opening through which a portion of thestone may be placed completely through. The halo forms an anchor thatdoes not require a cap, an adhesive compound, or a hole to be drilledinto a stone. Referring to FIG. 24, the halo 242 may be a chain in theform of links or jump rings. Alternatively, the halo 242 may includesolid ring (not shown) with or without loops. The solid ring may includenotches or other features to help to keep the chains or jump rings frommoving too much. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 24, chains 161may be attached to the halo 242. The other ends of the chains may beattached using ring 244 (e.g., ends of chains inserted into an open ringbefore it is closed). Halos may also be used with netting and banding.

In an alternative embodiment, an adhesive compound can be used toachieve jewelry having chains, netting, or a combination of both as partof the setting. The adhesive compound may be applied to the stone,chains, netting or any combination thereof. The chains, netting, orcombination are placed onto the stone and can be held in place until theadhesive compound has set or been cured. Many different adhesivecompounds may be used and the actual compound used is not critical.Jeweler's glue is commonly used in jewelry. Radiation-activated (e.g.,ultraviolet radiation curable) adhesive compounds may also be used.Generally, the adhesive should have good bonding strength and betransparent, although these characteristics are not required. Afterreading this specification, skilled artisans will be capable ofselecting adhesive compound(s) to meet their desires. Holes in the stoneand pins or wires are not required. Just like the other embodimentsdescribed herein, the chains, netting, or combination thereof can be thesetting for the stone and allow a greater number of attachment points toother parts of the jewelry compared to conventional settings for stones.

Other combinations of rings and chains can be made to form otherelements for jewelry. Netting, banding, and shelling are merely examplesand not meant to limit the present invention.

Regardless whether the finished piece includes one or more of thenetting, banding, or shelling, the finished piece may be incorporatedwith other articles to form jewelry, such as a necklace, earring,bracelet, brooch, etc. Any of the netting, banding, and shelling can beused in tying stones together. Jump rings between chains or other jumprings on different stones or between loops of different stones can beused. A plurality of the finished pieces, whether the same or differenttypes, can be part of the jewelry.

FIG. 25 includes illustrations of front and side views of an earring250, which is an example of jewelry. The earring 250 includes two stones251 and 253 with shelling 252 and 254 and netting 256 in between. Thenetting 256 may include jump rings, chains, or combinations thereof. Theupper stone 253 with shelling 254 is attached to the hook 260 using aring at location 262 and to the netting 256 at locations 264. The lowerstone 251 with shelling 252 is attached to the netting 256 at locations266. The attachments at locations 264 and 266 may be achieved using jumprings. Again, the earring 250 is merely an example and shows some of theflexibility for designing jewelry.

The use of chains and rings as at least parts of settings for stonesallows much more flexibility in designing jewelry. A significantlylarger number of attaching points to other parts of the jewelry ispossible. New arrangements and orientations may now be realized. Thevariety of shapes, sizes, and materials allow a nearly infinite numberof combinations to be made.

The settings described herein may be more appealing and appear more“fluid” and less “industrial” compared to conventional crimped metalsettings. The settings described herein allow more symmetric settings(both from a visual and mass (i.e., center of gravity) perspective) tobe made because a relatively dense piece of metal is not required to lieon one side of the stone. The symmetry can allow the stone-settingcombination to hang more vertically in free space because the center ofgravity is not shifted due to the crimped metal.

The jewelry and process for making it does not require new materials orfabrication equipment. Therefore, the risks associated with newmaterials and equipment is avoided.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described withreference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in theart appreciates that various modifications and changes can be madewithout departing from the scope of the present invention as set forthin the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are tobe regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and allsuch modifications are intended to be included within the scope ofpresent invention.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have beendescribed above with regard to specific embodiments. However, thebenefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that maycause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essentialfeature or element of the invention.

1. Jewelry comprising: a stone; and a setting comprising rings, whereinat least one of the rings contacts a surface of the stone.
 2. Thejewelry of claim 1, wherein the rings comprise a netting.
 3. The jewelryof claim 2, wherein, from a cross-sectional view of the netting andstone, the stone lies within a cradle of the netting.
 4. The jewelry ofclaim 3, wherein the netting surrounds substantially all of a perimeterof the stone.
 5. The jewelry of claim 2, wherein the netting comprises amain section, a first triangular end connected to one end of the mainsection, and a second triangular end connected to an opposite end of themain section.
 6. The jewelry of claim 1, further comprising at least oneanchor that contacts the stone, wherein at least one of the rings isattached to the at least one anchor.
 7. The jewelry of claim 6, whereinthe at least one anchor includes a pin, a wire, a cap, a halo, or acombination thereof.
 8. The jewelry of claim 7, wherein the pincomprises a loop, a hook, or a combination thereof.
 9. The jewelry ofclaim 7, wherein the wire extends completely through the stone andincludes a first end having a first loop and a second end having asecond loop, wherein the first and second loops are spaced apart fromone another.
 10. The jewelry of claim 7, wherein a portion of the stoneextends completely through an annular opening of the halo.
 11. Thejewelry of claim 6, wherein an adhesive compound is not used to attachthe rings directly to the stone.
 12. The jewelry of claim 11, whereinthe adhesive compound attaches the at least one anchor to the stone. 13.The jewelry of claim 1, wherein the rings comprise one or more chains,wherein the one or more chains substantially surround the stone.
 14. Thejewelry of claim 13, wherein: the rings comprise a first ring and asecond ring spaced apart from the first ring; the one or more chainscomprise a first chain and a second chain each having a first end and asecond end; the first ends are attached to the first ring; and thesecond ends are attached to the second ring.
 15. The jewelry of claim14, wherein the rings further comprise a feature having a first end anda second end, wherein: the feature is a chain or netting; the first endof the feature is attached to the first chain at a location spaced apartfrom the first and second rings; and the second end of the feature isattached to the second chain at a location spaced apart from the firstand second rings.
 16. The jewelry of claim 1, wherein: the ringscomprise a first chain, a second chain, a third chain, a fourth chain, afirst ring, and a second ring spaced; the first chain and the secondchain each comprise a first end attached to the first ring, wherein thefirst and second chains extend from the first ring in differentdirections; the third chain and the fourth chain each comprise a firstend attached to the second ring, wherein the third and fourth chainsextend from the second ring in different directions; the first andsecond rings are spaced apart from each other; and the second ends ofthe first, second, third, and fourth chains are attached together near acommon point so that the first, second, third, and fourth chains fitsnuggly against the stone.
 17. The jewelry of claim 16, wherein: therings further comprise a third ring, a fourth ring, and a fifth ring:the third ring is attached to the second ends of the first and thirdchains; the fourth ring is attached to the second ends of the second andfourth chains; and the fifth ring is attached to the third and fourthrings.
 18. The jewelry of claim 16, wherein the rings further compriseadditional rings and pairs of chains similar to the first and secondrings and the first, second, third, and fourth chains, wherein secondends of the pairs of the chains are attached together near the commonpoint.
 19. The jewelry of claim 16, wherein: the rings further comprisea fifth chain; a first end of the fifth chain is attached to the firstring or first chain; and the second end of the fifth chain is attachedto the second ring or third chain.
 20. The jewelry of claim 1, whereinthe rings are attached to the stone without the use of an adhesivecompound or a pin or wire extending at least partially into the stone.